Question:
Does it hurt at all getting the g- tube pulled out?

   — Laurie D (posted on April 30, 2003)

April 30, 2003
Laurie it is more uncomfortable then painful to have your g-tube pulled out. I have had two of them pulled and it is not that bad at all.
   — chirsw

April 30, 2003
Truth be told - it does not hurt - but it feels so weird that initially you associate it with pain. Just remember to take a deep breath and focus on something else - your Dr. should have it out in a few seconds - it feels like your stomach is going on a roller coaster and you can kinda feel the pulling and some suction but not really pain - at least that was my experience - good luck!
   — Tia B.

April 30, 2003
i felt a little burning sensation but it was all over in a few seconds-really quick-you will be fine
   — TotallyTori

April 30, 2003
I had my g tubes pulled on Monday. It did not hurt but felt weird. Like someone just said, keep your thougts and focus on something else and remember to BREATHE! Good luck! Best,
   — Louise C.

April 30, 2003
It obviously depends, but for me it HURT like crazy! Enough that my surgeon refilled my Dilaudid. My g-tube was in there rather snugly (and hurt the entire time it was in) and because of that my surgeon had to startle me and yank it out because it hurt so much. Seems like for most people it's more uncomfortable, but for me it hurt like the dickens! Sorry, but wanted you to have the other side of it. :-)
   — Click

April 30, 2003
My was suprisingly painful but nothing compared to the pain of the surgery and the pain only accompanied the removal. My doctor told me I would feel a twisting sensation and some discomfort. Just when I thought I could stand it, it was over...wish I had taking the time to ask and be prepared as you are doing. Hey the bottom line is that you'll be darn glad to have it out. God bless ya.
   — Linda P.

April 30, 2003
If it's possible request pain medication about 1/2 an hour before they take them out (obviously you can do this if you've already been discharged and are coming back to have them removed - if you're still inpatient it's hard to know when they'll come in.) I tell my patients that by the time they get their mouths open to shout out obscenities it will be over. It isn't agonizing - it's not fun either but definitely tolerable. They're more of a pain in the neck (or abdomen to be correct) than anything. Don't worry - you can take it!
   — ronascott

April 30, 2003
Only had the tube in 2 days (was released on day 2), and no, it didn't hurt at all. If it did, I wasn't thinking about it...the only thing on MY mind, was I'M GOING HOME!! : )
   — msmaryk

April 30, 2003
TO BE QUITE HONEST THE,PAIN FROM HAVING THE G-TUBE REMOVED,IS SURELY NO WALK IN THE PARK-BUT IT IS OVER VERY QUICKLY! FOR ME HOWEVER,I WAS SO ANXIOUS TO HAVE IT TAKEN OUT THAT I DIDN'T CARE.AFTER 3 WEEKS OF HAVING THAT STUPID THING SIDE BACK AND FORTH CONSTANLY-THE SITE WAS SO SORE, IT WAS A BIG RELIEF TO GET RID OF IT!!
   — KEIA M.

April 30, 2003
Mine was only in 2 days AND it was definitely painful to have removed. But it only lasts the few seconds it takes them to take it out. It goes away just that fast, no lingering. If you're that apprehensive about it, take some pain med before hand. I would imagine if you're tense it could be worse. My dr asked me how he wished I would have handled it and that was my advice also...to have those who seem nervous about it take pain med before. I'm not a wimp for pain either as I returned to work in 9 days (was ready at 5) and after only a week after having a complete hysterectomy. Good luck.
   — Diane S.

May 14, 2003
I was SOOOOO scared that it would hurt coming out, but it didn't at all. I took a little pain med just in case before going to the doctor and perhaps that helped? It just felt wierd coming out, but there was no pain.
   — CarolineAnnMartin

May 14, 2003
I didn't have the tube for my WLS but did for my gall bladder surgery (pre-WLS). It hurt BIG TIME when they pulled it out, but it only lasted about a second and a half. By the time my brain registered that it hurt, the hurt was gone.
   — garw

Click Here to Return